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Microsoft delays Xbox One China launch to September 29th

Microsoft delays Xbox One China launch to September 29th

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Company moves forward with console launch after receiving government approval for first ten games

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Microsoft today announced that the Xbox One will be available in China on September 29th, one day after the company abruptly delayed the launch of its console. As Reuters reports, the system will cost 3,699 yuan (about $603) without Kinect, and 4,299 yuan (about $700) with Kinect. The company is moving forward with the launch after receiving government approval for its initial offering of games.

"After receiving government approval for the first wave of games, we've decided to launch with digital copies of the first 10 games now and will continue our work to bring more blockbuster games and a broad offering of entertainment and app experiences to the platform in the months to come," Xbox China general manager Enwei Xie said in a press release Tuesday.

Microsoft faces hurdles in China

The console was originally scheduled to arrive in China today, but Microsoft unexpectedly delayed the launch on Monday. "At Xbox, we pride ourselves on delivering first-rate gaming and entertainment experiences, and to allow us to deliver on that promise, we need to reschedule the launch of Xbox One," a spokesperson told Polygon yesterday. "Working with our partner, BesTV, we look forward to launching in China by the end of this year."

Soon after China lifted a long-running ban on console sales early this year, Microsoft announced it would be bringing Xbox One to the Shanghai Free Trade Zone through a partnership with BesTV. China's government has already approved the console's sale there, so it's not entirely clear what's holding things up. But those who've already pre-ordered the console — and Microsoft says those numbers have exceeded its expectations — will receive a "special bonus" for the added wait time. Microsoft is also facing other potential headaches in China, including a fresh anti-trust probe dealing with Windows and Office software.

Update September 23rd, 6:38 AM ET: This post has been updated to include Microsoft's decision to launch the Xbox One in China on September 29th.